Stop licking them! Since saliva is acidic, licking can make the thin skin on your lips even drier – making you lick more, and creating a vicious cycle. The solution: Use lip balm withNOcamphor or menthol – which are drying agents.
Instead, get one containinghumectants, which draw moistureIN, like lanolinorshea butter – or just use a little coconut oil.

If you want to keep your teeth healthy, make sure your dentist knows what medications you’re taking. Dr. Reid Blackwelder is with the American Academy of Family Physicians. He says drugs like antihistamines, antidepressantsand blood pressure meds can slow the production of saliva. And a dry mouthallowsbacteriaandplaqueto build up faster, which can raise your risk for gum disease. So, knowing what meds you’re taking can help your dentist better protect your teeth and gums.

Sugar-free gumormints?Sugar-free gum wins this one. According to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, the chewing involved with sugar-free gum stimulates the production of saliva – and that clears away the acids that naturally form in the mouth and causecavities. Gum also clears away leftover food stuck in your teeth – and the sugar-alcohol in sugar-free gum, namely xylitol, has an anti-microbial effect, which reducesharmful bacteria that can damage teeth and make your breath stink. Sugar-free mints can have a similar effect – but you’d need to get really strong ones to producemoresaliva. But because they dissolve quickly, they don’t do as much good as gum.

Yesandno. Dr. Tierno says a wipe-downwill eliminate a lot of germ-tainted saliva. But even the best cleaning job could leave behind the germs that cause strep or the stomach flu. Plus, the liquid inside the can will already contain some mouth germs. So, unless you’re literally dying of thirst, it’s bestto avoid sharing.

It’s not because some dogs are hypo-allergenic. In fact, all the breeds thought to be safer picks, like Labradoodles, Airedales and Waterdogs – actually have HIGHER levels of the proteins that cause allergies than other dogs! That’s according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
So what does make a difference? Well, the things that cause allergic reactions vary from dog to dog. Meaning, the compounds in saliva, dander and urine can be different from one Labradoodle to another. That means you may be fine with one dog and a sneezing mess with another. However, you can get shots from an allergist to help you live with any pet you choose.

Dehydration can contribute to bad breath. So fend off mouth odor by drinking lots of water during the day, which’ll also boost saliva flow. Saliva is a natural antibiotic that decreases the number of bad bacteria in your mouth.